He came home for Christmas. Nothing was taken for granted. He hugged me tighter and kisses lingered. I hung on his every word. The reunion was unlike anything I've ever experienced. I missed him lots, but if he hadn't left, I wouldn't get to feel this. Everything's new again. There's always praise.

38 hours to go. There aren't words for the way I feel. I wondered why no one warned me about the last few weeks. It's because there just aren't words. I can't wait and I'm scared to death. Time stands still. Will morning ever come?

It's been a while. Jeff received his orders for Virginia and I've been processing my thoughts. We have to be there by Feb. 21st - thats just 11 days after the wedding. I didn't think we'd be leaving so soon, but after much thought, I've decided that it's good. It solves our housing issues here, and it really marks the start of our married life. After hearing the news, I was sad for a few days. I was reading through Jeff's blog and was reminded of all the ways that God's brought him to where he is. Then the revelation hit. The Navy doesn't decide where we go or when. We're going to Virginia because that's where we're supposed to be, and we're arriving there 11 days after the wedding because that's when we're supposed to be there. God's in control, and He has been all along. Who am I to say that His plan isn't good?

One word. Fireflies.

My heart feels like it's going to burst. I'm surprised I'm still in my skin. Jeff got his cell phone today. He called this morning to see if it was working. I sent him a text message, and he replied. I can let him know that I love him whenever I want. I'm so overjoyed.

My family went to get a Christmas tree on Sunday. It's a big deal. We drive to the mountains and take hot chocolate and candy canes. My grandpa and my aunts and uncles and cousins all go. We walk around in the freezing cold looking at a million trees for about an hour until we finally find the perfect ones. That's the girls' job. Then, the boys cut the trees down and carry them to the cars while we get the lunch ready. It happens like that every year. And every year, they play A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV. I'm watching it right now. All of this holiday business, as much as I love it, makes me miss Jeff more. I'm glad he's coming home for Christmas.
He said he'd call last night, but I didn't hear from him. Surprisingly, I wasn't super disappointed. That whole not expecting anything really does work. He called tonight, and I was so happy to hear his voice. He hasn't been able to call much since he became a candi-o - added responsibility or something. He'll be home two weeks from tomorrow. I can't wait.

I miss him...

It's raining pretty hard outside - hard enough to hear the tapping on the roof. And it's cold. How much would I like a fire in the fireplace, a movie, and cup of hot cocoa, a giant blanket, and a Jeff and Charlie to snuggle with! The only thing I'm missing is the Jeff, but that makes all the difference.